The 10 Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Fukuoka

It's a landmark for hanami in Fukuoka! Built around the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park plays host to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees every year, as well as the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, an event featuring food stalls and night-time illuminations to delight visitors.

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ADDRESS: 1-4 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Adjacent to the Terumo Jinja Shrine dedicated to Yoshitaka Kuroda (1546-1604), the region's first governor, the Nishi Kôen garden is one of the "100 best sakura sites in Japan," with over 1,300 cherry trees! Its hillside offers superb views of Hakata Bay, and lanterns illuminate the park until 10pm when the sun sets.

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ADDRESS: Nishi-koen 13, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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A remnant of Fukuoka Castle's moat system, Ohori Pond gives its name to the adjoining park. Enjoy the cherry blossom near the castle ruins. A two-kilometer path runs through Ohori for sports enthusiasts. The park also features a floating Japanese garden, a Zen garden and a tea house.

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ADDRESS: Ōhori Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Outside the shrine, Nakajima-jinja is considered a more discreet spot for hanami. Around two kilometers away, Kanzeon-ji temple, known for its matrimonial blessings, is also a prime spot for admiring the cherry blossoms.

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ADDRESS: Dazaifu Tenman-gū, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Located in the heart of the lively Tenjin district, this urban park offers a pleasant contrast between nature and skyscrapers. Bordered by the Naka River, it's popular in spring for a bucolic break after a shopping session. A convenient spot to enjoy the sakura without leaving the city center!

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ADDRESS: 1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Less crowded than the city's major tourist parks, Sanno Park is appreciated by locals for its tranquil atmosphere. Cherry trees surround the green spaces and play areas, making it a pleasant place for the whole family. Picnics are allowed!

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ADDRESS: 3-5-1 Sanno, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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A national park by the sea, Uminonakamichi combines green spaces, bicycle paths and flower gardens. In spring, thousands of cherry trees blossom in the various areas of the park, offering interesting panoramas with the ocean as a backdrop.

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ADDRESS: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Accessible by ferry from the port of Fukuoka, this park located on Nokonoshima Island offers an exotic setting for hanami: cherry trees blossom on the hills with a superb view over Hakata Bay, in a country atmosphere where other spring flowers accompany the sakura.

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ADDRESS: Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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Often referred to as the "Sakura Garden" because of its many cherry trees, the Atago Shrine is perched on a hill offering one of the city's most beautiful views. In spring,sakura trees frame the stairs and paths leading up to the shrine, creating a romantic atmosphere.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

DATES: late March - early April

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A true local symbol, protected and cherished by the locals, it generally blooms in early April, a week later than other cherry trees in the region.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1511-1 Mino, Yamamoto-cho, Kurume City, Fukuoka

DATES: early April

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